THE Belgrade Theatre’s new chairman has heralded the success of the Coventry theatre after a year of transformation.

David Shortland, the chairman of the property group Shortland Horne, has stepped into the chairmanship of the theatre which reopened last year after a £14 million facelift.

Mr Shortland, who took over from David Burbidge as chairman of the board, said the theatre’s increased custom and profile was a boost to the city economy.

He said: “The results we’ve just published bode well for both ourselves and for the continued regeneration of the city, and I’m sure that with the continued support of our funders and customers we’ll see even more success in the future.

“As a business we’ve worked extremely hard to make sure we’re as competitive as possible in order to attract as many people as possible – and with a reduction in VAT just announced, our prices will be even better value.

“Since reopening, the Belgrade has been rejuvenated.

“We’ve had huge national recognition for our work, we’re in discussion about transferring one of our plays into the West End, we’ve won prestigious local and national awards, more people are booking and we’re attracting significantly more people from the wider region, which is all excellent news for the city’s economy.

“Our Community & Education Company is also going from strength to strength and is helping more and more people from Coventry’s varied communities to develop their skills and their confidence.”

Mr Shortland added that the fact the theatre was attracting more people for the city centre would be a boost to the night-time economy.

He added: “I think it is fair to say that the city has lacked a critical mass of people in its centre after business hours and the theatre is helping to reverse that trend and hopefully the Belgrade and other operators in the evening economy can benefit.”

Hamish Glen, the Belgrade’s artistic director and chief executive, welcomed the appointment and said: “David Shortland has been a committed supporter of the Belgrade for many years and I’m sure his wealth of knowledge and experience will prove a real asset for the theatre.”